Aaron's letter 9-21-09

That is way cool that you had a good time at the duets concert!! And way to go with the good performance!
So are there only sister missionaries in the ward right now? That is way neat you have some in your ward. I have come to realize the greatness of sister missionaries out here in the field as well. They have an amazing love for the people and for wanting to find those prepared. That is way neat too that dad and the bishops son are going hometeaching together. I will for sure keep their families in my prayers. Well hopefully this gets to you!
Love you!
Elder Parks

That is so cool that Cordell earned his Eagle...Way to go Cordell. How old is he now?

The computers are being really weird here. I hope that you get them this week. I added your other email address, so hopefully that will help out.

THE WEEKLY:
Hey Everyone!
Well those goes another week! It was a real up and down and all around week. I have had some of the greatest and not so greatest times of the mission.
To start with the awesome!!!...We had stake conference this past sunday and Elder and Sister Oaks were the special guest speakers!!! It was amazing! And the previous day Sister Oaks along with Sister Traveller and some escorting sisters came to Takayama! So we actually got to hang out with them and an investigator, Genki!!! It was so cool! Sister Oaks is way funny and sweet! We all had lunch together at Rie and Sayuri's restaurant and prayed together and sang a primary hymn too! Way fun!
Then the Sunday session of conference just rocked!! I learned so much from President Oaks. Not even just what he said but recieving a witness that he is called and guided by God. I am amazed at how much the Spirit guided his words. I truly feel he spoke as directed. Good time and a lifetime experience.
The other end of the weeks feelings come from Rie and Sayuri, who sadly will not be getting baptized on the 4th. Rie is not able to follow the Law of Chastity yet and both of them are going to have to sacrifice their time to come to church.
We met with them yesterday to talk about all this and that is the conclusion. Thankfully they have great testimonies and realize the impact baptism will have on their lives. That is why they want to prepare a bit more before entering the covenant. They have it right on that one, that you don't want to enter the covenant knowing you will just break it.
So, the 4th won't be the baptism as said before. That really came as a hit to my pride and confidence as a missionary.
Up to now all of my investigators with a baptismal date have been baptized on that day. So yesterday and a part of this morning my companion and I have been talking much about this. About how I (and he too actually) feel that maybe if another elder was here, that he would've have been able to do it. Another feeling Ihave had, which is totally because of my pride, is that now other missionaries will feel like we messed up some how in the process.
BUT, after talking to my companion and district leader I have come to overcome those feelings. Actually, as I have been writing this email I have felt much peace of soul as well.
I can really feel all of your prayers and support at my back.
I know the Lord has called me to Takayama for a reason. I know He is right here with us guiding us always. I have also come to know that even though we are working hard to see these people baptized, they still have their agency. And maybe now really isn't the right time for them. I need to thank you all for your strong testimonies and prayers of support. I can feel them!I know that we are children of God.
I know that God is sitting, waiting there for us to call out in prayer, ready to answer. As I write this email I can feel my testimony strengthen. I really felt down about 30 min ago. However, because of your testimonies and strong words of support and the truth of this gospel, I have once again been strengthened, THANK YOU.I really do love you all and joy in your joys.
Please continue strong in the covenant and know God is there, as Ihave once again come to realize.
Elder Parks